Are you planning a trip to Åland with your dog or cat? Before you travel, check which documents, vaccinations and treatments your pet needs. The requirements depend on where you are travelling from.

On this page, you’ll find practical information about travelling to Åland with your pet and things to keep in mind during your stay. It’s also a good idea to check the pet policies of your ferry company, airline and accommodation before booking your trip.

On this page:

• Before travelling to Åland with your pet
• Travelling to Åland by ferry
• Travelling to Åland by air
• Travelling on the archipelago ferries
• Staying in Åland with your pet
• Before travelling home
• If your pet needs a vet in Åland

Before travelling to Åland with your pet

If you are travelling with a dog or cat from another EU country, your pet will need a microchip, a valid rabies vaccination and an EU pet passport.

Dogs travelling to Åland from Sweden or Estonia also need treatment against the tapeworm Echinococcus multilocularis before entering Finland. The treatment must be given by a vet and recorded in the pet passport. Cats do not need this treatment.

If you are travelling from mainland Finland to Åland, you are travelling within Finland and there are no additional entry requirements for your pet.

Always check the current requirements for your journey with the Finnish Food Authority before you travel. Their online search tool will help you find out what your dog or cat needs for your journey.

Travelling to Åland by ferry

Dogs and cats can travel on the ferries to Åland. Let the ferry company know that you are travelling with a pet when you book and check whether your pet needs a separate reservation.

Pet policies vary between ferry companies and ships. Check whether you need a pet-friendly cabin, where your pet is allowed during the crossing and whether your pet can stay in your car. If you would like a pet-friendly cabin, it is a good idea to book early as availability may be limited.

Check the latest information directly with your ferry company before travelling.

Resa med hund eller katt på flyg

Du kan också flyga till Åland med din hund eller katt. Djuret behöver bokas in på flyget i förväg och antalet djur som kan tas med på varje flyg kan vara begränsat.

Beroende på djurets storlek och vikt kan det resa med dig i kabinen eller i flygplanets lastutrymme. Kontrollera flygbolagets regler för transportväska eller transportbur, storlek och vikt samt eventuella avgifter innan du bokar resan.

Travelling with your pet on the archipelago ferries

Ålandstrafiken’s archipelago ferries, that connect the islands of the Åland archipelago, can also be used when travelling to Åland from mainland Finland. You can take your dog or cat with you on the ferries.

The archipelago ferries are smaller than the passenger ferries operating between Åland, Sweden, Estonia and mainland Finland, and arrangements for pets vary between vessels. Check where your pet can stay during the crossing and keep your dog on a lead.

It’s good to plan your archipelago journey in advance, particularly if you are travelling with a car.

Staying on Åland with your pet

Finding pet-friendly accommodation

You’ll find pet-friendly hotels, cottages, guesthouses and other places to stay across Åland. When booking, check whether pets are allowed in your chosen room or cottage, whether you need to let the accommodation know in advance and whether there is an additional charge.

If you are travelling with a dog, it can also be useful to consider the location of your accommodation. Staying close to nature, walking trails or quiet roads can make daily walks easier.

Visiting restaurants, museums and attractions with your pet

Pet policies vary between restaurants and cafés, and dogs are not always allowed indoors. In summer, many places have terraces or other outdoor seating, but it is still a good idea to check with the restaurant before visiting with your pet.

The same applies to museums, attractions and other places to visit. Check in advance whether your pet can come with you and whether there are any restrictions. This makes it easier to plan your day and find places where you can enjoy your time together.

Ut i naturen med hunden

In Åland, the right of public access allows you to enjoy nature and spend time outdoors, as long as you respect the environment, landowners and other people.

You can take your dog with you when walking and hiking in nature, but make sure it does not disturb wildlife, grazing animals or other people. Take particular care in spring and summer, when many wild animals are raising their young.

Special rules may apply to dogs in nature reserves and other protected areas. Dogs must be kept on a lead, and some protected areas do not allow dogs when going ashore. Always check the rules for the area you are planning to visit.

Before travelling home

Remember that the rules for taking your pet home may be different from the rules for entering Finland. Check the current requirements for your destination country before travelling.

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